Part 1 - What Is Prophecy? Series

Understanding Prophecy: Part 1

What Is Prophecy?

DEFINITION: PROPHECY IS COMMUNICATION FROM YHVH GOD TO MANKIND

"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Peter 1:21 KJV)

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I. THE NATURE OF PROPHETIC COMMUNICATION

A. Basic Definition

• Prophecy = God speaking to humanity through chosen vessels

• Divine initiative, not human imagination

• Two functions: Foretelling (future events) and Forthtelling (current message)

"Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7 KJV)

ALL PROPHECY IS ACCURATE, BUT SCRIPTURE ALONE IS GUARANTEED TO BE ACCURATE.

B. Three FOUR Levels of Prophetic Communication

Level 1: SCRIPTURE-LEVEL PROPHECY

• Universal application (for all people, all times, all places)

• From Adam to the last person ever born

• Regardless of when born, where born, or life situation

Level 2: OFFICE-LEVEL PROPHECY

• Regional, temporal ministry of recognized prophets

Level 3: GIFT-LEVEL PROPHECY

• Congregational encouragement through believers

Level 4: PERSONAL PROPHECY

• EXAMPLE: If God tells you not to get on an airplane, it is to you and for YOU.

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II. EXAMPLES OF NON-SCRIPTURE PROPHECY

A. The Company of Prophets

"When they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them." (1 Samuel 19:20 KJV)

• Multiple prophets actively prophesying

• None recorded as Scripture

B. Eldad and Medad

"The spirit rested upon them... and they prophesied in the camp... would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets." (Numbers 11:26, 29 KJV)

• Legitimate prophetic ministry

• Zero content preserved

C. Philip's Daughters

"And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy." (Acts 21:9 KJV)

• Genuine prophetic ministry

• None became Scripture

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